Cummins DIY Service

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:

CampingN.C. wrote:
Some of you may have read my thread about my free dealer oil change program I have and if I should use it or not. Anyway I think I've decided to just do it myself going forward.

Couple questions mostly about the filters.
Are the Fleetguard filters OK to use vs. Mopar? I've read lots of people claiming they're the same.

Amazon the best price?

Is the front fuel filer nut a 29mm ?

All tips are appreciated!!

Fleetguard is the Cummins brand and that's all I've used. They actually have two filters for your truck, standard an a "stratapore" version that's supposedly an upgrade. I have no idea if it's worth it or not but I've always paid the extra few bucks for the better filter. I've bought the filters from Geno's Garage but you can get them on Amazon too.

One tip on the oil filter is to get it loose but not quite off and then stuff a freezer bag through the opening in the fender. Position the bag around the filter so it drops in it when it comes off, and then seal up the bag and pull it out through the hole. No mess and it's far easier than trying to get at the filter from the top. I guess one other tip is to buy the end cap filter wrench that goes on a socket wrench - it makes for an easier job.

The best deal on synthetic oil I've found is using subscribe and save on Amazon for Rotella T6. I works out to $2-3 less per gallon than Walmart. I think around $18 per gallon. I have to run synthetic in the winter where I live so I think it's worth just running it year round in my case.

I can't recall the size of the nut on the filter but it's big. I had to run to Lowes mid-service to buy it because I didn't have it on hand. Aside from that changing the fuel filters out is an easy job.

I would like to see someone PRE fill the oil filter and push it thru the fender and screw it on without spilling a drop.

My method Chris mentioned is very easy and clean.

It's a good time to check the turbo for end play.

I disagree on your method, I have no desire to keep removing engine parts to remove a filter. Its very simple drop the filter down ,cap it, pull it out . Pre fill the filter cap it put it back thru the fender, remove cap, push it up ,and screw it in . No spills.Pretty straight forward, and I have change the filter from above three times. No More.

I found it much more difficult to be reaching down over the fender ,and trying align the filter from above to screw it back on all the while making sure not to tip it TOO much to spill any oil, same for when removing from above. I did the thru fender way this last time, and will NEVER go back to removing parts to get at that filter. To each his own.


As far end play, theres a time ,but it doesn't need to be done every six months.